Waggin' Tales. Waggin' Tales

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1 FVDTC May, 2017 Waggin' Tales Waggin' Tales David Lewis, Editor, Est A Note From the President Hi All, Things have slowed down a bit at FVDTC as we head into summer and warmer weather. The 4-H classes are under way and we will be hosting their annual show at the fairgrounds on June 21 st. If you would like to help steward or judge, please contact Barb Runkle. It's a great way to help encourage our youngest trainers and hopefully they will continue to show and train their dogs. Rally will soon have some changes and new classes that will take effect as of November 1, AKC has added intermediate and masters classes along with new titling opportunities. They will be adding an RACH (Rally Champion) title, which is equivalent to the OTCH title in obedience. Along with these new classes & titles comes new rally signs. FVDTC will be offering rally workshops to help explain theses new signs and classes. See the website for more information. We also plan on offering a one time seminar that will be open to all that want to learn more about these new signs. Details should be available soon. Speaking of rally, we have had a large decline in the number of people who sign up for rally runs at our monthly correction clinics. We had planned to drop rally at our correction clinics last year but after many people contacted me saying they didn't want this to happen we decided to continue offering the rally class, we even offer two runs per entry. But now we have very few people that sign up. If we continue to have these low entries in rally we will once again consider not offering rally at our correction clinics. We can't justify reserving a much needed ring for this class if we don't get enough entries. So, If you want to continue having rally at our correction clinics you need to sign up! Some of you may recall that we held an eye clinic at our site during a training night last summer. I am planning to do it again this year but I'm planning on holding it later in fall when the weather is cooler. Dr Lindley was a very good sport about having to do the exams in the men's room last year, but this year we would like to relocate to a more suitable space. We need a cool room that can be darkened. Please let me know if you would be interested in participating in the eye exam. I want to make sure we have enough interest before scheduling this event. Your dog s eyes should be examined once a year and this is a great opportunity to do so at a reduced price & at a convenient location. Please contact me at president@fvdtc.org and let me know if you would like to participate. One last thing, don't forget about your work credits. It's not too early to start working on acquiring them. There are so many ways you can help out your club and maybe even learn new skills. See any committee head for details. You need just 3 credits to avoid paying much higher annual dues and 10 credits to apply for our fantastic annual volunteer or new title award. See you in training, Wendy Waddick Tracking the Membership Meeting Wally O'Brien, former president of FVDTC, will provide a short demonstration and then lead a discussion about tracking at the July Membership meeting. The demo will start outside, in the extension center parking lot, at 7:00pm and then move indoors.

2 Discounts for Front and Finish Front and Finish is offering us a group discount to their online publication. For those not familiar with Front and Finish, it is a long time publication dedicated to all things involving dog sports. It's very informative and interesting to read. Currently yearly subscriptions are $34.99 a year, but if we get ten or more people that would like to subscribe the cost will go down to $ If we get less then ten people we will still get a group discount. Please contact Wendy (president@fvdtc.org) right away, if you would like to subscribe. Membership Report Ninette, Ray & Nicole Sandefur Campton Hills, IL Golden Retriever Guest trained 8 times Help Wanted ON THE JOB TRAINING! Lori Delk Wheaton, IL Bernese Mountain Dog Guest trained 8 times Robert & Kathleen Collimore Elgin IL Completed Puppy class We need a new trophy chairman. Holly Cass has done a fantastic job the last few years but must relinquish her role as trophy chair so we are looking for someone new to take on this role. This job entails ordering the trial ribbons and rosettes for our fall obedience and rally shows plus attending these shows to help give out the ribbons and man the table. Holly has things extremely well organized so it will be easy to jump right into this role. She will be providing on the job training, and other help is available, too. Contact Wendy Waddick or Holly Cass to volunteer. It's a great way to earn work credits!! Tracking Regulation Changes In order to ensure the safety of tracking dogs, AKC tracking regulations were amended to allow protective footwear for dogs in AKC Tracking tests at the option of the handler, provided the footwear is put on in the presence of both judges, just as it is required for protective coats and tracking harnesses. This amended regulation is effective immediately. Tracking Regulations - Chapter 2. Regulations for Performance and Judging. Section 24. Protective Clothing. Dogs may wear a protective coat and/or footwear. If worn the coat, tracking harness and footwear must be put on in the presence of both judges. Page 2

3 Upcoming Seminars Learn something new! Here are some (reasonably) local seminars over the next couple months: It's All Tricks...AKC Trick Title Test Debbie Bickford & Nancy Reyes - June 10 - Melrose Park, IL Problem Solving 101 Nose Work Workshop - Nancy Reyes - June 11 - Melrose Park, IL Agility: Building Speed, Focus & Motivation(AM), and Tight Turns and Sends (PM) Sherry Kluever - June 24 (2 Half Days) - Melrose Park, IL Agility: Master's Skill Building Sherry Kluever - June 25 - Melrose Park, IL Advanced Training Reinforcement Strategies: Basic Training Philosophy; Using Non-Food Reinforcers Effectively Complex Tools Social Animals & Aggression Reduction Strategies: Social Animals: Working with Groups of Animals; Aggression Treatments & Management Strategies; Aggression & Multi-Animal Case Study Ken Ramirez - July 22 & 23, River Grove, IL August 12-13, Johnson Creek, WI Behavior - Dr. Susan Friedman - July 22 & 23 - Melrose Park, IL Fundamental principles of learning and behavior, and the behavior change technology known as applied behavior analysis. As all animals change their behavior due to experience, this seminar has trans-species, and interdisciplinary relevance to any professional working with behavior. Neurology and Behavior of Dogs - Ken McCort - July Battleground, IN Ken will demonstrate training techniques with the foxes, coyotes, and wolves. McCort will emphasis new research on neurobiology and how it affects training. Other possible topics may include learning theory, drives and breed differences in behavior. Agility: Pinwheels, Serpentines, and Threadles, Oh My! (AM), and International Foundation Skills (PM) Steve Schwarz - July 29 (2 Half Days) - Melrose Park, IL Agility: International Foundation Skills in Action Steve Schwarz - July 30 - Melrose Park, IL Freestyle - Bev Blanchard - August 5 - Melrose Park, IL Unleash Your Dog's Performance & Wellness Potential - Dr. Rosemary LoGiudice - August 20 - Melrose Park, IL Page 3

4 Membership Meeting Highlights March 15, 2017 Meeting brought to order at 7:53 p.m. following the presentation by Vallie Szymanski, Executive Director, and Carolyn Ascher, Board President, from the Ovarian Cancer Symptom Awareness Organization who spoke about the training of dogs to detect ovarian cancer cells. The Ovarian Cancer Symptom Awareness Organization is a wonderful organization with a very interesting aspect that involves the fantastic ability of our dogs to help humans. Wendy thanked Peggy Seehafer for making the arrangements for the informative presentation. Carolyn Pearson (Secretary). The January Meeting minutes were approved as published. A lot of correspondence was read. Peggy Seehafer (Second Vice-President) reported that the program for the May 17th Membership meeting will be a judge and instructor to describe the Barn Hunt sport. The presentation will begin at 7:00 p.m. Phil Nuger (Treasurer) distributed the Statement of Activity, dated January 1 through March 15, The statement does not include the building rent for the first quarter. Phil announced that, with Board approval, some of the club s cash will be moved into an investment account with JP Morgan Stanley, to increase the amount of interest earned. Will Short (Director of Training) reported that all Session #2 classes have a primary instructor and an assistant instructor. In response to Will s request, Barb Runkle volunteered to do the first week talk for the 7:00 p.m. Beginner class, due the primary instructor s absence that night. Will also reported that there are volunteers for all the Conformation classes from now until the end of July. Waggin Tales. Barb Runkle made a motion to accept the list as published and read. Joyce Conway seconded the motion. The list was approved by all members present, with no one opposed or abstaining. Welcome to the following new member who was present at the meeting: Cathy Meo, Welcome! Cathy Fleury (Agility Trial Chairperson) was not in attendance and did not send a report. Wendy announced that the online sign-up pages for working at the Agility Trial, were now available on the club s website Candy Ellis (Annual Dinner Chairperson) reported that the menu was finalized at the Riverside Receptions. The invitation has been completed and has been sent to Dave Lewis for posting to the club s website, to Nancy Pederson for Facebook and to Nancy Einwich for a Constant Contact Blast. The dinner theme is Celebrating our Rising Stars and the cost is $25.00 per person. The cash bar opens at 6:30 p.m., dinner will be served at 7:00 p.m. Rather than a bowl of ice cream, the Annual Dinner committee members will be providing their infamous sweet table for our dessert. RSVP's are due March 29th no later. Nancy Pederson was not in attendance, but reported that there are no specialty workshop classes currently scheduled. Pat Senne (Obedience Trial Chairperson) reported that the 2017 judge s contracts have been sent out! Two of the five contracts have been returned with signatures. Additionally, the contract for the fairgrounds has been signed and returned to the fairgrounds with the deposit check. Sue MacPherson (Membership Chairperson) read a list of 15 new applicants who were published in the Donna Bihner (Awards Co-Chairperson) was not in attendance, but sent the following report. The 2016 awards are almost all done and will be finished in time for the dinner on April 9th. She stated that they have a lot of exciting new things to show members at the dinner. She and Nancy Pederson (Awards Co- Chairperson) also thanked all club members who got their forms in on time, as it makes the job much easier! Cris Ballenger (CGC Test Coordinator) was not in attendance. However, she reported that as of today, there are four paid and registered and paid for the CGC test on April 20th. AKC Evaluator, Angie Schmidt Page 4

5 will be doing her first GCG test with us. The test forms are ordered and the testing ring is reserved. Volunteers are needed for the test. Pat Senne (Match Co-Chairperson) reported that Marian Lazzara (Match Co-Chairperson) would be out of town for the March Correction Clinic, but had given all the entry forms and the armbands to her. Sandi Stephenson (Match Co-Chairperson) stated that there would be no special beginner novice runthroughs during the March 16th Correction Clinic for the recent graduating beginner s classes. Sandi also reported the following individuals are judging at the March 16th Correction Clinic. Rally Novice Beginner Novice Open 1 Open 2 Graduate Novice Utility 1 Graduate Open Utility 2 David Thornell Taffy Wille Taffy Wille Candy Ellis Marietta Huber Marietta Huber Sandi Stephenson Sandi Stephenson Will Short Jennifer Cornele (Publicity) reported that Wendy has asked her to look into the request by the Front and Finish Online training news for club information. Sue MacPherson (Statistician) encouraged all committee chairs to send her a list of volunteers each quarter. Francene Andresen (Sunshine) was not in attendance. However, Carolyn Pearson reported that she just learned the Dean Rodeback was killed in a car accident on February 17th. Dean was the husband of long time club member Cindy. Cindy is the artist is responsible for the personalized hand-painted wooden items offered as awards for many years. Cindy also drew the artwork that all club members receive each month on the back of their Waggin Tales. Peggy Seehafer made a motion to donate $ to the Dean Rodeback Memorial Fund. Candy Ellis seconded the motion. The motion passed with no one opposed or abstaining. Carolyn will provide the contact information for the fund. Carolyn also reported that Jackie Coleman recently lost her beloved Rottweiler, Abby, to osteoscarcoma. Jan Winters (Therapy Dog Evaluation) was not in attendance, however she announced to the club members that the club will be hosting a TDI Test at the May 18th Correction Clinic. A public announcement will be made in early April. Any individuals with questions or wants to sign up early should contact Jan at therapy@fvdtc.org. In response to Kathy Bianchetti s suggestion to offering a workshop for those who wanted to take the TDI test, it was reported that Will Short (DOT) is currently looking into that idea. Dave Lewis (Waggin' Tales Editor) reported that the next Waggin Tales deadline is Sunday, March 19th. Monthly Dollar Bucket and the winner of $8.00 is Cathy Meo as drawn by new club member, Cathy Meo. Cathy donated her winnings to the Tracking Test. Therefore, Ingrid Hamburger will receive a donation of $16.00 towards the Tracking Test expenses. Old Business None New Business Barb Runkle reported that volunteers are needed for Judges and Stewards for 4-H Show on Wednesday, June 21st at 6:00 p.m. The 4-H class starts on March 23rd at 6:00 p.m. for the students without dogs. Barb Page 5

6 asked everyone to be patient with the new 4-H students, especially when they bring their dogs for the first time on March 30th. Remember: these are our future dog owners and trainers. Peggy Seehafer made a motion to donate $ to the Ovarian Cancer Symptom Awareness Organization. Sandi Stephenson seconded the motion. The motion passed with no one opposed or abstaining. A motion was made, seconded and approved to adjourn the meeting at 8:45 p.m. Membership Meeting Highlights - May 17, 2017 Meeting brought to order at 7:45 p.m. Carolyn Pearson (Secretary). Several items of correspondence were read. Peggy Sue Seehafer (Second Vice-President) reported that Wally O'Brien will be discussing tracking, particularly Urban Tracking, at the July 18th meeting. We will meet outside at 7:00 pm; for a demonstration with a dog and move inside to finish the presentation when the building is available. Peggy also reported that Harlan Houska will provide a presentation, starting at 7:00 pm on September 20th, about Nosework, prior to the Membership meeting. He is a Nosework instructor and his training of Nosework dogs is extensive. Peggy stated that our club has been invited to participate with a display and with demo dogs at the Gray Willows Farm Dog Days Second Annual event on August 19th. The Gray Willows Farm is a 200 acre piece of property that she is hoping could be a future location of tracking trials (and a perfect spot for Barn Hunt trials). Will Short (Director of Training) was not in attendance and did not send a report. Barb Runkle stated that she is teaching the 7:00 p.m. Beginner s class that starts on June 1st. Nancy Pederson (Workshop Registrar) sent a report, that we have two Rally Workshops scheduled for this summer, to introduce the new classes and exercises that will go into effect November 1, 2017 including Intermediate, the new AKC Rally class being offered. There will also be new signs for the Novice and Advanced Classes. Nancy is currently accepting applications for the few slots still available in the Novice, Intermediate, Advanced classes workshop starting in June. The workshop will meet on June 22nd and 29th and July 6th, 11th and 27th at 6:00 p.m. The Excellent and Masters workshop will meet on August 3rd, 10th, 24th and 31st and September 7that 6:00 p.m. Enrollment will be open following the start of the June 22nd Workshop. The cost is FREE to our members and $25.00 for non-members. Contact Nancy with any questions or to request an application at: Workshops@fvdtc.org Candy Ellis (Co-Assistant Director of Training) reported that fellow club member, Mike Trausch is hosting a people-only seminar this Saturday, May 20th, at the German Shepherd Club of Chicago, from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. for a cost of $ Pat Senne (Obedience Trial Chairperson) was not in attendance, however Carolyn reported that, based on the AKC s new level of Rally classes being offered as of November 1, 2017, and the date of our trial, FVDTC Page 6

7 must offer the Intermediate and Master classes at our November, 2017 trials. Pat has confirmed with Kathy Sweet, our Rally judge for the weekend that she will be prepared to judge the new classes. Additionally, Holly is seeking a volunteer to help her at the Trial Awards for this year and take over for the 2018 trials. Sue MacPherson (Membership Chairperson) read a list of 10 new applicants who were published in the Waggin Tales. Barb Misch made a motion to accept the list as published and read. Candy Ellis seconded the motion. The list was approved by all members present, with no one opposed or abstaining. Welcome to all new members, especially Sharon Grant, who was present at the meeting. Ingrid Hamburger (Tracking Test Chairperson) was not in attendance, but reported that the Tracking Test premium list has been sent to AKC and to the Judges. It is also available on the FVDTC webpage. Wendy thanked Candy and the entire Dinner Committee for a fabulous time at the 2017 dinner. Candy Ellis (Annual Dinner Chairperson) reported that we are booked at the same location, Riverside Receptions in Geneva, for Sunday, April 8th, She stated that if we were to have the dinner on a Saturday night, the facility charges a minimum of $4, The theme is a surprise, but it does centers around our 70th anniversary. Donna Bihner and Nancy Pederson (Awards Cochairs) were not in attendance, however, Wendy reported that the Dorothy Dimond trophy will be retired as of 2017 due to the following reasons. The physical condition of the trophy The close similarity to another award Cris Ballenger (CGC Test Coordinator) was not in attendance, but did report that 12 of the 13 participating teams passed the April 20th CGC evaluation. A total of $ was collected and $35.00 was disbursed to Angie Schmidt, our evaluator. All participants who granted their permission to use photographs that were taken, participated in the group photograph which was submitted to our Facebook coordinator, Waggin Tales and to the webmaster. A new registration form for the August test was printed and sent to the webmaster. Cris will also have them available at the information table. Additionally, Cris reported that we have enough FVDTC and AKC ribbons for one more evaluation. More AKC registration forms and ribbons will need to be ordered for the spring 2018 test. Cris also extended thanks to the club members who volunteered to help with the test and submitted their names to Sue MacPherson for earning work credits. Sandi Stephenson (Match Judges Chair) stated that during the last several months, our entries for the Rally ring was dwindling again. In order to make the ring space as effective as necessary, we need to have more than two entries for the rally class. She reported that the last time we had an issue with a dwindling number of entries, the Committee attempted to eliminate the class and met with resistance from the club members. In order to keep offering the Rally class, individuals must enter the class to make it an efficient use of space during our correction clinics. Joyce Conway reminded everyone that entering the Rally class at a correction clinic entitles you to TWO run-throughs. It was suggested that we post a sign at the Rally ring during regular training nights encouraging people to sign up for the correction clinics. Sandi also reported that the following members have been kind enough to agree to judge at our May 18th correction clinic. Rally Novice and Beginner Novice Open 1 and Graduate Novice Open 2 Utility 1 and Graduate Open Utility 2 David Thornell Taffy Wille Candy Ellis Penny Brcich Sandi Stephenson Marietta Huber Page 7

8 Ingrid Hamburger (Match Steward Chairperson) was not in attendance but asked for two club members to volunteer to work during the May 18th correction clinic, due to the inability of the volunteer to fulfill two commitments. The classes needing stewards are: Open 1 / Graduate Novice and Utility 1. Jennifer Cornele (Publicity) announced that she and Wendy are almost finished with our submission to Front & Finish. Front & Finish requested that we complete an extensive survey that will be published in the publication. Francene Andresen (Sunshine) was not in attendance. However, Wendy announced that, unfortunately, Lynn Weis brain tumor has returned in the same spot as before. Lynn is currently doing radiation treatments, with the possibility of surgery. Jan Winters (Therapy Dog Evaluation) was not in attendance, however Wendy announced that the next TDI evaluation would be at the May 18th Correction Clinic. Dave Lewis (Waggin' Tales Editor) reported that the next deadline is Sunday, May 21st. Monthly Dollar Bucket and the winner of $7.50 is Jennifer Cornele as drawn by new club member, Sharon Grant. Jennifer donated her winnings to the Tracking Test. Therefore, Ingrid Hamburger will receive a donation of $15.00 towards the Tracking Test expenses. Old Business In response to her request for help, Barb Runkle received the following volunteers to steward at the 4-H show on Wednesday, June 21st. o o o o Loretta Lazzara Sharon Shimko Wendy Waddick Paulette Zecca New Business None A motion was made, seconded and approved to adjourn the meeting at 8:37 p.m. Member Work Credits FVDTC Members! It's not too early to be thinking about Regular Training Dues are $180, but you can earn a discount by working for the club. Three work credits earns you a 50% discount and 10 credits makes you awards-eligible. You can record your credits on the club web site by logging in to the Members Only section and choosing My FVDTC from the menu. Not sure what you can do? Go to Members Only and choose Info & Forms. You have 6 months to get those 3 credits (or 10), so get to work! Page 8

9 Calendar June 01 Thu Regular Training Beginner Begins (6:00, 7:00, 8:00pm) Puppy Begins (7:00pm) Advanced Puppy Begins (8:00pm) 08 Thu Regular Training 4H Ends 15 Thu Correction Clinic 21 Wed Board Meeting 4H Show 22 Thu Regular Training 29 Thu Regular Training Puppy Ends (8:00pm) July 06 Thu Regular Training Puppy Begins (8:00pm) 11 Thu Regular Training 15 Thu Correction Clinic 19 Wed Membership Meeting/Tracking Demo 4H Show 27 Thu Regular Training Page 9

10 Fox Valley Dog Training Club, Inc. FVDTC PO Box 992Waggin' Tales May, 2017 St. Charles, IL Page 10